Leak plugging patching

While there are many techniques available to provide containment of leaks, often the only option available is to repair or reestablish the primary source of containment. This can be done by plugging, patching, or freezing, as described in the following sections. 

Figure 13.8 A brass tube showing plug-type dezincification. The white patch above the plug on the external surface was caused by dissolved solids, concentrated by evaporation of water leaking through the porous dezincified plug.

Leak Control Compounds Substances used for the plugging and patching of leaks in non-pressure and some low-pressure containers, pipes, and tanks. 

Containment refers to actions taken to keep a material in its container, such as plugging or patching a leaking 55-gallon drum. Confinement refers to the procedures taken to keep a material in a defined or locaiized area once it has been released. Confinement is used when the chemical has breached the container and it is desirable to keep the material within defined boundaries. Confinement may be viewed as a defensive activity, and containment as an offensive activity. Through the effective use of containment and confinement, the spread of the spill or release is minimized people, property, and the environment are protected and cleanup and recovery operations become more efficient. 

The best advice when it comes to patehing and plugging is to make it as quick and simple as possible. If a handful of putty will stop the leak temporarily so that a transfer can be made, why spend the time and effort to apply all the straps and hoses and take all the time to position and inflate a rubber patch However, when the hole is large and the transfer operation will be delayed for some time, using an inflatable patch may be worth the time and effort necessary to apply it. Consideration must always be given to the Umited dexterity and visibility of the responders who wUl be applying the containment device or material and to minimizing their time in the hazard area. 

Other Devices and Materiak. Anything that can be applied to the leak to stop or slow down the release without making things worse would be considered acceptable as patching /plugging material. Tubeless tire patches, chemical-resistant tapes, lead wool, quick-setting urethane foam, plumber s plugs, foam insulation material, and a whole host of other materials and devices may be considered. 

For a period of just over 10 weeks, oil and gas continued to flow urmbated into the Timor Sea, approximately 250 kilometers off the northwest coast of Australia. Patches of sheen or weathered oil could have affected at various times an area as large as 90,000 square kilometers. While attempting to plug the leak, a fire broke out on the West Atlas drilling rig. Once more, no one was injured, but the rig was badly damaged. 

These kits operate on the principle of containing valve leaks by applying hoods and gaskets. For cylinders and ton containers patches are provided for sealing off a small hole in the side wall. Capping devices are provided for fusible plugs in ton containers. The kits contain step-by-step instructions for the use of the devices. The necessary tools are included, but PPE is not included. 

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